Friday, October 29, 2010

It's an amazing city. I know, I know, some of you are thinking "umm Iowa? No way." But you'd be wrong. It's a gem of a town. It is full of amazing restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The city is very forward thinking, full of intellectuals, and they pride themselves on having a big city feel with small town pride. I could go on for hours. Those of you who have been, know. Those of you who haven't, GO!

My weekend will be full of

Iowa Football at legendary KinnickStadium

Each corner of the field yelling out a letter for when we score a touchdown. I-O-W-A!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

So the news amped up our recent storm as possibly the worst we've seen in 70 years....the rain wasn't as bad as I thought it was, but the wind!! Wow, that was another story. I'm talking 40-55mph gusts. It was craaaazay.

People always think Chicago is called the Windy City because of our wind, however, that's not it at all. It's actually because Chicago's politicians were full of hot air.

A wrap dress might disagree with you on a gusty day. Ohh let me tell you. Sometimes when you're walking downtown and the wind is just right, well, your skirt will fly. And sometimes it gets blown up so high you're mooning the street. Sometimes. And this is why I swear by slips. No more booty action downtown!

So the wind came and went and that was really it. For now, I guess. I did love the fall temps though :)

I spent the morning at the gym because, like I blogged, I've got a swimsuit and a deadline. Not pretty. I'm currently re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and decided to be a huge nerd and bring it with me while I rode the bike. Multitasking people! I was a bit embarrassed, but oh well.

I'll definitely be making this again. Only thing I changed with the recipe was the tortilla strips. I sprayed 4 tortillas with olive oil cooking spray instead of deep frying them. Then I sprinkled some chili seasoning and sea salt on top and baked them at 425 for 10-15 minutes until they were crispy. Then I cut them up and threw them on top of the soup. YUM!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Ever go shopping and buy a bunch of things, return home and realize there is definitely a common theme to your excursion?

Let me start off by showing you my theme...

Yes, that's right. 4 different stores. 4 striped purchases. And the best part? I didn't even realize I was buying so many striped clothes!!

I spent this Sunday shopping and enjoying the unusually warm Chicago temperatures. It's actually becoming a bit creepy...It's almost November!! Now I'm sure many people are loving this. I, however, am not. I want FALL! I want crisp air and cold breezes. I want sweater weather. This warm weather is ruining everything! Because we will not get a Fall in December, people! NO! It will turn to frigid cold and painful wind chills of -10. Believe me, it's my 26th year here.

Whew, so enough about the weather. Let's talk shopping! Did anyone else hit the stores this weekend? Was it just me or was everything on sale?? Ann Taylor Loft had 30% everything and additional 50% off sale. Anthro had so much stuff I couldn't keep my head on straight. Gap, Banana, Macy's, Francesca's, it goes on and on!

I thought I'd share with you some of my finds this weekend...

I love Voluspa candles. If you haven't tried one, you must! Dainty flower earrings from Anthropologie and this adorable small notebook for my purse (I always carry one) Which by the way has 4 "books" inside. Perfect for OCD people like me for to-do lists, grocery lists, random lists. Hmm yet another theme?

As for my stripe mania. I picked up a blue & white layering tank from Anthro with cute gold buttons and a pin-tucked neckline. A purple & cream v-neck from ATLoft with adorable buttons on the sleeves. A very nautical sundress, from Francesca's, for my Thanksgiving vacation. And finally the red & white pocket tee from Gap for Where's Waldo and future Fall days.

I also got a fun sweatshirt from ATLoft with a cool neckline. And a staple cardigan to add to my closet.

I've never done an outfit post but with the torrential rain we had at times this weekend I thought I'd show you the two loves of my lives: Hunter Boots & my North Face Trench. The reason I bought the trench was because I needed a quality trench with a hood for when I'm hustling around downtown for either work or play. Normally I wouldn't think NF + Suit = cute, but this one actually has a very urban chic look to it. You can find one similar, here.

oh my gosh...I even wore a striped shirt this weekend. I seriously have a problem. It's intervention time!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Do you love peanut butter? Crackers? Almond chocolate? Then look no further!

It's like a peanut butter cup. Mixed with the crunch of a Kit-Kat. I can't explain it. In fact, I wish there was a scratch & sniff option on this blog. Anyway...

So here's what you need:-Ritz Crackers-Creamy Peanut Butter-Almond Bark (the KEY ingredient!!)-Wax Paper

Spread out your wax paper on a plate, pan, cookie sheet, whatever. (just make sure you have enough room to put it in the fridge)

Make peanut butter sandwiches out of the PB & crackers.

Melt the Almond Bark. I do mine in the microwave. I did 1/2 of the package at 1:15 seconds. Then I broke up the bark with a spoon. Put it in for another 15 seconds and then just stirred until smooth.

Dunk the PB sammys into the Almond Bark and place on the wax paper.

Chill until hard.

Devour. Repeat.

See, wasn't that easy?? And they're honestly so satisfying that you won't gorge. It's not like mini cupcakes, I mean when things are bite size isn't that just another way of saying "eat 5x as many"??So while I'm working out I'm still making treats here and there. I'm not a big believer on deprivation...moderation is key. That's what I keep telling myself...hah

I hope you'll try these one day. They're great for parties, football games, rainy days on the couch :) Happy FRIDAY!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I cannot wait. I live for vacation. Seriously. I always like to have one on the books...gives you something to look forward to!

Now on that note. I'm six weeks out from margaritas. seafood. SPF. and a swimsuit. Ugh. I need to get my act together and get serious about working out. Apparently Fall to me means lots of sweets and comfort food. This is not good for a bikini!

So I must kick-start my game and head to more Yoga classes. Hit the gym and actually do some cardio.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

My weekend was just one of those that was over the top and busy from the get-go!

Friday my girl friends and I met up for our Friday Night Book Club. If you think book clubs are lame, you're sorely mistaken! It is always a riot. We normally pick a book, take anywhere from 4-6 weeks and then have the book club on a Friday night. The girl who hosts supplies the dinner and then we assign appetizers, desserts and wine to everyone else. We eat, drink, and laugh! I think talking about the book takes up about 10% of the night ;) Are any of you in a book club??

This Friday we read Never Let Me Go and I have to say...I didn't finish. It was not catching me and I just couldn't push myself through it. Only 7 of us made it on Friday and 3 read it. haha, whoops! But we did have delicious white chili, Sprinkles cupcakes and 9 bottles of wine. Yes 9 bottles for 7 people. And 2 stopped drinking very early in the night. Can you say lushes??

I love how everyone is crowding around the cupcakes, I couldn't even get there in time before they were getting snatched up!

Saturday K had about 20 people over for the Iowa/Michigan game. Iowa won :) and again there was more booze than food. We had Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches...o...m...g. So delicious. And I set up a Bloody Mary bar and I must say so myself, it was GOOD. I love a good Bloody Mary.

Wow, if you didn't think I was a drunk, you will after reading those two paragraphs hahaha.

Sunday was topped off with my cousin J & J's baby shower. Baby M is due on New Year's Eve and we're all anxiously awaiting his/her arrival! They got the cutest stuff and this gorgeous lamb bedding from Pottery Barn Kids. And I loved their super modern high chair. I think it's super cute.

So that was my non-stop, beverage-filled, stomach hurts from laughing weekend! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and here's to hoping this week flies by!

Friday, October 15, 2010

When I was little my Grandma lived with us for about 2 years. She cooked most of our dinners and on special nights she'd say, it's breakfast time!! And we knew we were in for a treat.

Last night I decided it was time for a treat and breakfast was on the menu. We decided on the PERFECT french toast. I didn't name it, Food Network did. But I will agree with them. It was perfect. You can find the recipe HERE.

So I bought some Texas Toast bread (the bakery lady wasn't there to cut fresh bread...umm weird) got some eggs, milk, spices, and butter and made my perfect french toast.

It was easy...you NEED to try it.

Just dunk your bread.

Cook it in the skillet on each side for about 2-3 minutes and then here's what I've never done...put it in the oven at 350 for 8-10 minutes. It cooks it through and makes it puffy. Sorry I didn't get a final product picture...we grabbed them and ate them immediately!

It is perfection. Then before you clean the skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter, melt it, and then drizzle it on top of the finished french toast. I didn't even need syrup on mine!

Who doesn't like to change it up and have breakfast for dinner?? We paired ours with some turkey bacon, corned beef hash (a guilty pleasure, I know a lot of people think it's gross...) and some Trop50 orange juice. Which I gotta give props...half the sugar/calories and just as tasty!

Busy weekend here in Chicago. Girls book club. Best friend's birthday. Cousin's baby shower. Busy, busy, busy!! But in a good way considering I'm looking forward to each event!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I know art is a very personal thing. I have pieces I adore that I'm sure others would never own.

But when magazines try doing Art issues, you think hmm poses? art of fashion? art of photos? Do you ever think art of breasts painted silver?

I ask this because Kim Kardashian recently shot for W's Art issue. Sure, that's nice but is it art?? She posed naked with large, flowing hair and a silver painted body. I'll let you decide if it's art or not.

ViaDo you think this is an artistic photo? Or do you think it's just another scandalous spread driven for attention?!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Thanks for all of your comments about what to wear for the wedding!! I went with the strappy heels, necklace & the dress strapless. The wedding was beautiful and we had such a blast!

I ended up putting my hair in a bun and wrapped one of my Anthropologie sparkly hair ties around the bun to add some sass to it. I pinned those crazy pieces down as you can see I snapped the pic while putting pins in.

My camera died in the middle of the reception (grreaaaat) so I have to wait for my friends to send me their pics so I'll have more.

Big Congratulations to the happy couple!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I was busy with the wedding, an architectural tour of the best city, movie date Life As We Know It (very cute!) Bears game and lunch with the cutest 5 month old around. I loved having the holiday off and relaxing.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Tomorrow is one of my oldest friend's wedding. We've come a long way since rollerblading and Ouija boards!!

I've got the dress and now I just need to decide what shoes to wear. Which is where I need your help. Wedding is Friday at 4. So leave me a comment and let me know :) And you know what's the funniest thing about this wedding? I've been thinking, I gotta work out this week and watch what I eat so I look good. Umm hamburgers, fries, no gym. Way to go!

Here are the shoes I'm deciding on. Except the back row top right...those are out.

Front and Side views. Thoughts?!?! You'll have to click on the picture to enlarge it and get a better look. Oh and I hate my legs, blah.

I'm getting my make-up done at MAC and can't quite figure out what "look" I'm going for. I plan on doing a loose, messy bun for my hair. I got my nails done tonight and although I don't like to be matchy matchy I did get OPI's Russian Navy on both my fingers and toes. I figured the mani won't last and I'll still want it on my toes ;) Who knew this much work went into prepping for weddings? I don't get this glammed up for every wedding, but I really wanted great make-up so my pictures would stand out!

Here's the necklace I think I'm going to wear....I can also make it into a belt but now I'm feeling it AS a necklace.

I hope the dress doesn't come off too booby...ugh, sometimes I hate these things!

Also...the dress comes with straps. What are your thoughts?? I don't know if it adds anything.

So please help me with any thoughts, comments, recommendations!! I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend and hopefully you have Monday off too!